Her voice rose to a wobbly note that pierced him. She’d been so brave and positive. It was too easy to forget how frightening her memory loss must be because of her determined good humour. Yet knowing what she’d endured because of him cut a sweeping gash through his belly.
‘It’s little things now but soon it’ll be bigger things. Just be patient and it will all work out.’
Angelo had no idea if that were true but he willed it to be so.
He couldn’t recall wishing for anything so hard. Not since his father had died, leaving Angelo alternately wishing for more time with his belovedpapà, and to be the man he had to be for his family’s sake.
‘You’ll see, Ally. Stay positive and it’ll all eventually come back to you.’
‘But what if it’s something awful? Something I’d rather not face?’
He squeezed her hand, wishing he could take her in his arms and hold her, comfort her with an embrace. His arms ached with the effort of holding back. ‘Whatever happened, you won’t be alone, Ally. I’ll be with you. I promise. You’ll be safe.’
Angelo leaned in, close enough to inhale her delicate scent. Close enough to kiss those trembling lips.
But he didn’t, despite the almost overwhelming urge to do so. Because it wasn’t simple reassurance he longed to give her.
He wanted to kiss Ally forhimself. To satisfy his own greedy longing for her.
One night with her was nowhere near enough. He wanted so much more. But he had no right. She needed his support, not his lust, no matter how fantastic they’d been together. He had an obligation to care for her.
Maybe, one day, when she’d regained her memory of the past... But he couldn’t allow himself to fantasise about that now.
‘Thank you, Angelo. It makes a huge difference to know I’m not totally alone.’ Ally’s eyes shone and her mouth pulled up in a crooked smile that tugged at his heartstrings. ‘You’re very kind.’
Angelo almost snorted in self-disgust. Kind? Kind would have been giving her the benefit of the doubt earlier.
‘Now you’re exaggerating. I was an ogre in those early days. But keep saying it, Ally. I like hearing it.’
Far too much.
As expected, his words drew a genuine smile. Angelo liked her ready sense of humour. ‘Well, you’re a lot easier to handle now than you were a week ago.’
‘That’s something, at least.’ Angelo tried and almost succeeded in not thinking about Ally handling him in the way he wanted, naked flesh to naked flesh. Maybe that was what made him blurt out, ‘I have an idea. Something that might trigger your memory.’
As soon as he said it, and saw excitement brighten her features, he wondered if he’d been wise to mention it. Because there was a risk involved, a risk to Ally, and she’d already been through enough. That was why he hadn’t spoken of it sooner. But it was too late.
‘Tell me!’ Her hand turned in his as she gripped his fingers. What did you have in mind?’
‘You were walking in Oliver’s garden when you started to remember something so strongly that you felt ill. Maybe there was something there that triggered your memory. Something about the place maybe?’
Her brow furrowed in concentration. ‘Maybe therewassomething...’ She paused. ‘Some smell. Maybe from a plant? Or am I imagining that?’
Angelo nodded. ‘Perhaps, if nothing else comes to mind in the next few days, we could visit Oliver and retrace your steps. See if anything happens.’ He wasn’t sure it was the best idea, given how it had affected her last time, but Ally was getting upset and he hated to see her distraught.
‘Why didn’t I think of that? It’s brilliant.’ She smiled up at him and it felt like a burst of sunlight exploding inside. ‘Thank you, Angelo!’
It was late when they returned to the villa. The violet dusk had fallen, settling like a dark blanket on the island. Ally revelled in the warm evening air. It felt like a caress on her bare arms as they entered Angelo’s home, the scents from the garden creating a heady perfume.
Angelo’s original plan for a couple of hours on Capri had turned into a full day excursion to see the sights, ending with them sharing dinner at a restaurant which had been both spectacular and charming.
Ally had loved every minute. Seeing new things. Mingling with other people. The beauty of the island. But especially the ease between her and Angelo. The barrier between them had dropped and she didn’t feel so obviously that he held back from her. Though it was clear he wasn’t about to sweep her into his arms like she wanted.
But they’d spent the day as friends, which Ally treasured. It wasn’t as good as being lovers, yet Angelo made her feel special.
‘Thanks for a wonderful day, Angelo. I had the best time.’ Her pulse quickened as she met his dark eyes. Would she ever get over him? The answer had to beyes. She had to find out who she was, the sooner the better. ‘Do you think Oliver is home?’
Angelo’s frown told her he wasn’t eager to go there, which was odd, as it had been his idea.